Binary Search Algorithm Quiz

What is a prerequisite for performing a binary search on a dataset?

• The dataset must be sorted.

• The dataset must be in a tree structure.

• The dataset must be in a graph format.

• The dataset must be in a queue.

In the pseudocode for binary search, what is the purpose of the 'found' variable?

• To store the index of the found item.

• To indicate whether the search item has been found.

• To store the midpoint value.

• To count the number of iterations.

What does the binary search algorithm do if the item at the midpoint is less than the item being searched for?

• It restarts the search from the beginning.

• It adjusts the 'first' variable to midpoint plus one.

• It adjusts the 'last' variable to midpoint minus one.

• It exits the loop.

What is the role of the 'first' and 'last' variables in the binary search algorithm?

• They count the number of iterations.

• They track the current search range within the dataset.

• They store the indices of the found items.

• They store the values of the first and last items in the dataset.

In the Python implementation, what does the line 'midpoint = first + last // 2' achieve?

• It initializes the search range.

• It checks if the midpoint is the item being searched for.

• It finds the midpoint index of the current search range.

• It calculates the average of the first and last indices.

What should you do if the binary search algorithm does not find the item in the dataset?

• Increase the search range.

• Conclude that the item is not in the dataset.

• Restart the search from the beginning.

• Switch to a linear search.

Why might a binary search be more efficient than a linear search for large datasets?

• It uses a more complex algorithm.

• It checks every item in the dataset.

• It requires less memory.

• It discards half of the dataset in each iteration.

What is a potential variation in implementing the binary search algorithm?

• Using a different data structure.

• Using rounding instead of integer division for midpoint calculation.

• Using a different programming language.

• Using a different sorting algorithm.

What is the main advantage of using integer division in the binary search algorithm?

• It simplifies the code.

• It ensures a whole number result for the midpoint.

• It speeds up the search process.

• It reduces memory usage.

What is the purpose of the book 'Essential Algorithms for A Level Computer Science' mentioned in the video?

• To offer a collection of past exam papers.

• To provide a comprehensive guide to all data structures and algorithms.

• To teach programming languages.

• To provide a history of computer science.